Domat, Jean [1625-1696].

The Civil Law in its Natural Order: Together with the Publick Law.

Written in French by Monsieur Domat, The Late French King's Advocate in the Presidial Court of Clermont in France: And Translated into English by William Strahan, LL.D. Advocate in Doctor's Commons. With Additional Remarks on Some Material Differences between the Civil Law and the Law of England. London: Printed by J. Bettenham for E. Bell [et al.], 1722. 2 Vols. Folio (9" x 13"). Reprinted 2008 by The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd. ISBN-13: 978-1-58477-870-7. ISBN-10: 1-58477-870-9. Cloth. New. $395.

* First complete edition in English. Domat's Civil Law is a great work that combines the materials of Roman and French law into a single system and places it on a foundation of ethical principles. "The Civil Law in its Natural Order, considering the age and the circumstances in which it was written, is a truly wonderful performance. His method is excellent, and his matter clear, exact, and comprehensive. Pothier, and other continental jurists, have drawn largely upon him to assist their own labors" (Marvin). Holdsworth says this edition is better than Wood's incomplete 1705 translation. "Strahan's translation...is a very much more considerable book, both as a book on Roman law, and, by reason of the translator's notes, as a book on comparative law.": Holdsworth, History of English Law XII:428. Marvin, Legal Bibliography (1847) 271.